MDX students volunteer with Beacon of Hope to give back to communities
- Friday, 14 April 2017
Dubai, UAE: This semester, Middlesex University Dubai students, inspired by theYear of Giving, have volunteered with UAE not-for-profit Beacon of Hope to give back to communities in need whilst seeing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in action.
Through the collaboration, students participated in the Dubai Cares Walk for Education to help provide education to children in need and volunteered to prepare care parcels, which include essential equipment such as solar lights, to help children in Jordan continue their studies, even when the lights go out.
These volunteer opportunities followed a guest lecture to students studying Issues in Media and Society from Beacon of Hope, Co-Chairwoman, Larisa Miller. During the lecture, Larissa reaffirmed the group’s commitment to four of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; Good Health and Wellbeing; Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; and Partnerships for the Goals.
According to Dr.Cedwyn Fernandes, Director, Middlesex University Dubai, opportunities to work with not-for-profit groups, such as Beacon of Hope, prepare students with the skills to contribute to the communities within which they live and work.
“At Middlesex University Dubai, we pride ourselves on giving our students opportunities to learn outside the classroom,” said Dr. Fernandes. “Our student’s work with Beacon of Hope doesn’t just give them the chance to see some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in action, it also gives them the opportunity to work with one of the region’s newest not-for-profit groups to give back to those in need.”
For Larisa, the collaboration with Middlesex University Dubai will help encourage philanthropy and volunteerism amongst today’s students who will go on to be tomorrow’s leaders.
“In 2016 Beacon of Hope delivered more than 3,000 solar light kits to school children in parts of Africa and war struck countries, to allow them to study day and night. Our goal is to make large-scale, measurable impacts will influence youth, providing them with opportunity and hope,” said Ms. Miller. “By collaborating with Middlesex University Dubai students, we not only show them the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in practice, but also encourage a life-long commitment to giving back to those in need.”
